the plant's medical uses without fear of controversy (4). Meanwhile, the black market would disappear overnight. Some arrangement would be made to license the production of marijuana cigarettes. The untold multitudes of dealers would be put out of business, and a major source of financial loss to the economy would become one of financial gain. It is difficult to say what effect this change alone would have on crime, however, since criminals would probably continue to sell other drugs. But it would definitely have an impact on the amount of money flowing through criminal channels, and this might weaken organized crime (5). The legalization of marijuana would benefit the federal budget in two ways. The state revenues would increase, because marijuana cigarettes would be taxed at the point of sale. In return, the companies that make the cigarettes would pay federal income taxes. Second, there would be a huge reduction in the amount of money spent on law enforcement efforts to apprehend and prosecute users and sellers of marijuana. The drug enforcement agencies could reduce their budget requests or, better yet, focus more intensely on hard drugs and violent crimes. The courts would be relieved of hearing all marijuana-related cases, as well. Another important gain would be in the quality of government. The sorts of temptations and opportunities that lead to corruption would be significantly minimized. The illogical pattern of law enforcement, which now treats marijuana as more dangerous than alcohol or tobacco, would end. It would set more achievable goals for law enforcement, and this would lend strength and credibility to our government (5).In conclusion, I can find no legitimate reason for keeping marijuana illegal. The reasons for legalizing the drug, however, are many. Legalization would bring both government control and increased tax revenue. Furthermore, marijuana is less harmful and less addictive than are other already legal drugs,...
